McConnell's Move Means New Rules in Columbia

Sen. Glenn McConnell (R-Charleston) will take the oath of office today to become South Carolina's next lieutenant governor — a political demotion for the ages that brings the state's most powerful politician down to the level of executive seat-warmer.

Explaining his decision, McConnell said Friday that he didn't want Columbia to change who he was. That will likely prove ironic, because observers are convinced that he will change the role of the lieutenant governor in the Palmetto State.

With former Lt. Gov. Ken Ard facing a year-long investigation into his campaign misdeeds, the expectation was that an eventual exit would be prefaced by some musical chairs in the Senate. McConnell would step down from his leadership role momentarily to let someone else take Ard's place.

But, as events quickly unfolded Friday morning with , McConnell did what he was obligated to do. 

"I wanted to be the same person I was when I came to Columbia," McConnell said Friday, referring to 32 years of service in the Statehouse, and more than 11 years at the senate's top spot. "I believe in strict adherence to the constitution. I could have interpreted it and tried to contort … I wouldn't put the Senate through that. I wouldn't put the people of South Carolina through that."

There have been some ambitious second-in-commands who have gone on to become the state's top executive, but you'd have to go back more than 40 years. 

Embattled two-term Lt. Gov. André Bauer was likely best known for traffic offenses while in office and his very public foot-stomping when he was left out of the loop as Gov. Mark Sanford went missing in Argentina in 2009. 

After controversial comments about the poor in the 2010 GOP gubernatorial primary, Bauer came in a disappointing fourth and is now pursuing a congressional run in the new 7th District.

That's why McConnell seemed content to serve at the top spot in the Senate — garnering support across the political spectrum as a fair negotiator in wading into often contentious political waters. McConnell has referenced the Senate's thoughtful, deliberate approach over the years. But that speaks more to his balanced hand than it does the shared values of 50 men.

In a conversation Friday, it was clear that McConnell recognized that his voice in matters in the Senate, his leadership on the powerful Judiciary Committee and his guidance on groups like the Hunley commission and the state's aviation authority have been severed.

"On everything," he said in exasperation. "I'll be frank, this was a big sacrifice." 

'Pardigm Change'

It remains to be seen how long McConnell will indeed suffer.

Filing opens Friday for the next Senate term and .

If McConnell decides to remain in the lieutenant governor's office, it will likely mean reconfiguring the political power structure in Columbia, said Rep. Chip Limehouse, a Republican who heads the Charleston Legislative Delegation.

"I think you'll see a paradigm change," he said. "I don't think you'll see a weak lieutenant governor. You'll see the most stalwart and strong lieutenant governor this state has ever seen."

McConnell played down his new role. "Obviously I won't have the power that you have as president pro tempore," he said. "The only thing I can do is give them my counsel."

But he likely won't be held down by a different hat, said Jeri Cabot, an adjunct political science professor at the College of Charleston.

"It's not just the power of the position, it's the power of the personality," Cabot said, suggesting that McConnell will still be the gate you need to go through to get things done in Columbia. "If anyone can read between the lines of the job description, McConnell can."

As McConnell moves out of his position, the Senate will likely move swiftly to fill the void, possibly voting in new leadership today. Amid a very chaotic time in the Statehouse, McConnell said he's focused on an orderly transition, regardless of the role that awaits him as lieutenant governor.

"I'll be standing there with a clear conscience," he said. "I can't tell you how important that is to me."